Bodyguards Follow Prince and Paris Jackson Around New School

Michael Jackson's two oldest children -- Prince Michael, 13, and Paris, 12 -- began their studies at a traditional school last Wednesday -- their first experience outside of homeschooling. But before they could hit the books like "normal" kids, Prince and Paris had to first win over their skeptical grandmother, Katherine.

A family member close to the situation tells PopEater that Paris and Prince's legal guardian protested the idea of sending the sheltered kids to school, feeling their father would have disapproved. However, one of Jermaine Jackson's sons stepped in and encouraged Katherine to allow Prince and Paris to move away from homeschooling.

The King of Pop's eldest children are attending The Buckley School in the San Fernando Valley and a parent at the school tells PopEater that things are anything but "normal" when the famous kids are there.

Both have full-time bodyguards, who patrol the school's parking lot and accompany the kids from class to class, to their lockers and even watch over them during lunch.

This kind of attention would seem to stifle their ability to fit in and make friends -- two things that are important to young Prince, who was seeking a "social experience" by enrolling at the prestigious school. Sources tell us the Jackson's are the only students at the exclusive school with a full-time security detail.

"The bodyguard situation really is a bit intimidating to other kids," one parent, who has four kids at the school, tells PopEater. "And that makes them hesitant to approach Prince and Paris."

TMZ was first to report that the kids were attending school.

Some in the Jackson family are also upset with this situation because they firmly believe sending the kids to school is not something Michael would have wanted. He famously protected his children from the public, and now various family members believe they are vulnerable and exposed to the outside world.

"This is a huge change for both of them," a family source tells PopEater.

The entire family agreed Jackson's youngest child, Blanket, who at 8 years old is reportedly the shyest of the three, is not ready and will stay at home with private tutors.

Put the bodyguards in another room. Let the kids blend in with the other kids. Over time they will develop and act like normal kids in school. Stop hovering over them. Give them some space and let them have some normalcy in their lives and be children.

Can we quit calling his 8 year old son "blanket" please? The child's got a name let's use it! I've had it with how the media treated Michael when he was alive and now they can't even treat his youngest who's probably the most like him with any dignity! I understand being shy but that takes the cake!

michael jackson children should remain home schooled. they will learn a lot better. as in this generation even if your not a famous person most parents are home schooling there children.there are a lot of activities michael jackson kids should and are doing after home schooling and lots of germs are in schools .

"Some in the Jackson family are also upset with this situation because they firmly believe sending the kids to school is not something Michael would have wanted. He famously protected his children from the public, and now various family members believe they are vulnerable and exposed to the outside world." Wow. What a shame it would be if they grew up in a "normal" world. Leave the bodyguards home, or at least stay in the parking lot watching the doors. Let the kids be kids and get an education and some "human" contact.

Had Michael had the chance to have a "normal" life he might not have had a chance for a better life. Lord only knows what goes on in that family but by having the kids interact with peers hopefully will give them a chance at "normal" lives.

Sorry I have to disagree with you. They won't learn enough about life and the world without social contact with peers from other homes and backgrounds. You can't do that at home. What is your fear about germs? Do you walk arount with your hand sanitizer in your holsster like a six gun from the old west?

how would you guys like if your dad past away and then everyone started making mean remarks about him??? i dont think you would like it! and second of all you cant beleive everything the media says!!! you guys dont know him or his family so how about you guys just back off and let them live their lives they want to! but its obvious none of you haters have lives since you are hating on someone else. and it's sicking that you guys are letting the media influence the way you feel about someone you DONT KNOW!!!

Well, Michael took pains to protect his children from the spotlight - because he desired to give his kids some kind of normalcy in the world Jackson had. MJ was a PARENT - and, if you're one, you understand his protection for his kids. It doesn't matter if you're famous or not - what matters if you are a kind and loving parent to your kids. He was thrust into EVERYTHING since a young boy - with no choice. He was trying to give his kids "better" by sheltering them as much as he could. As for Katherine allowing this is her business....Michael entrusted his children to her prob with the hopes that the kids would be raised as he raised them. He wouldn't approve of this schooling only bc ppl are crazy and will want to exploit them. Good luck J3 - well, to the oldest two J kids!!

The only thing weird about Michael was his very public life since childhood and the enormous pressure he must have been under. Why is it wrong to want to protect his kids from that? He knew first hand how cruel people could be. None of us know what he was really like in private, only what the tabloids said he was and what he let you see. His kids have every right to experience life, they should be left alone do just that.